Commanders news: Dan Quinn, Joe Whitt Jr., Drake Maye and NFC East dreams
By Dean Jones
Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as some important contractual decisions become firmly in sight?
There is no such thing as a down period where the NFL is concerned. Plans for the next campaign are taking shape long before the playoffs conclude. Struggling teams like the Washington Commanders get a head start, but that doesn't guarantee success despite some eye-catching moves made by the new regime so far.
A long, dramatic offseason is just getting started. Contract decisions, roster trimming, free agency, and the NFL Draft are all upcoming. After that, we should have a better indication of what to expect from the Commanders in 2024.
While we wait for further developments, the stories causing conversation include the Commanders being linked with Drake Maye yet again, Dan Quinn's approach, Joe Whitt Jr. looking to raise standards, and a wild worst-to-first prediction in the NFC East.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders HC Dan Quinn's mindset
Dan Quinn doesn't plan on taking his second chance at being an NFL head coach lightly. The Washington Commanders placed a significant amount of faith in the defensive guru. They've tasked him with spearheading their exciting new era and ushering in some improved standards after things became stale under Ron Rivera.
When discussing how he plans to approach his newfound responsibilities on Kevin Sheehan's radio show, Quinn put the primary focus on togetherness based on comments via USA Today Sports. He wants to build relationships and make everyone connected to the Commanders feel a sense of belonging through good times and bad.
"There are a lot of things I love about coaching. The relationships with the players and coaches, front office and personnel, those are the things you do, I just love being part of a team, man. It’s not just a job when you are competing at the highest level. There is a loyalty there that goes way past the job. There’s a brotherhood that can connect you forever. I love that part of the game and the relationships that come out of it. But at the end of it, pushing one another to get better, that is probably one of the reasons."
- Dan Quinn via USA Today Sports
There were far too many going through the motions last season. Everyone knew Rivera was a lame-duck head coach and changes were coming. Now Quinn is at the helm, it would be a surprise if his leadership qualities didn't result in more cohesion across the board.